The map shows the mean annual concentrations of nitrites (NO2), expressed as milligrams of NO2-N per litre of water, observed in groundwater monitoring stations and reported by EEA member countries via WISE. The purpose of the map is to provide an overview of the mean annual value of nitrites in groundwater across Europe and to enable the user to compare values per country or per groundwater body, depending on the scale of visualisation. Historical data since 2000 can be displayed using the time slider, and different horizons can be selected using the layers menu.

The map shows the mean annual value of BOD observed in river monitoring stations since 1993, reported by EEA member countries via WISE. BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand or Biochemical Oxygen Demand) is the amount of dissolved oxygen, expressed in milligrams of oxygen per litre of water, consumed by micro-organisms to decompose the organic matter present in water. BOD is commonly reported as BOD5, the amount of oxygen consumed over a 5-day period of incubation. Some countries report BOD7, the amount of oxygen consumed over a 7-day period. For comparability, the values of BOD7 are converted to BOD5 (BOD7 = 1.16 BOD5). Large quantities of organic matter (microbes and decaying organic waste) in water are a potential risk to aquatic ecosystems and human health. The reduction in the amount of dissolved oxygen as a result of the decomposition of organic matter can endanger aquatic life through asphyxiation and disrupt the ecological balance of the water. Organic matter can also pollute drinking water and bathing water. High levels of BOD can indicate such organic pollution. The purpose of the map is to provide an overview of the mean annual value of BOD in rivers across Europe and to enable the user to compare values per country, River Basin District (RBD) or individual monitoring station, depending on the scale of visualisation. Historical data since 1992 can be displayed using the time slider.

Waterbase is the generic name given to the EEA's databases on the status and quality of Europe's rivers, lakes, groundwater bodies and transitional, coastal and marine waters, and on the quantity of Europe's water resources

This report aims to provide a fair reflection of the
progress, the achievements and obstacles in the
integration of environmental concerns into EU
agriculture policy, based on indicators developed in
the IRENA operation (see Section 1.3). It also tackles
limitations to successful policy implementation
at Member State level, and challenges ahead.

Quality control documentation briefly presents ETC/ICM and EEA activities focused on quality of Waterbase-Lakes dataset and results of these activities. In addition warning is given on the use of certain records for analytical purposes.

Waterbase is the generic name given to the EEA's databases on the status and quality of Europe's rivers, lakes, groundwater bodies and transitional, coastal and marine waters, and on the quantity of Europe's water resources

The global population is congregating in our cities. Eighty per cent of the world’s estimated nine billion people in 2050 are expected to live in urban areas. Our cities and urban areas face many challenges from social to health to environmental. The impacts of cities and urban areas are felt in other regions which supply cities with food, water and energy and absorb pollution and waste. However, the proximity of people, businesses and services associated with the very word ‘city’ means that there are also huge opportunities. Indeed, well designed, well managed urban settings offer a key opportunity for sustainable living.

Many European river basins and waters have been altered by such human activities as water abstraction, land drainage, and dams. These often lead to major adverse ecological effects and leave limited space for natural habitats. Because of these problems and poor water quality the aim of the Water Framework Directive to achieve good status by 2015 may not be met.

For the three-quarters of Europe's population that lives in cities and towns, a good urban environment is a precondition for a good quality of life. This quality of life depends inter alia on clean air and water, efficient transport, low noise levels and green spaces.